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Former Colts Coach Named Prairie Dogs Manager

February 14, 2012 - North American League (NAmL)
Abilene Prairie Dogs News Release


Abilene, Texas --- The Abilene Prairie Dogs announced Tuesday they have hired former San Angelo Colts hitting coach Bobby Brown to be their manager for the 2012 season.

"Bobby is an experienced coach with the drive and skills to assemble and manage a team," Colts General Manager Mike Babcock said. "He will work hard to build a club the fans in Abilene can be proud of."

Brown, 37, has been involved in professional baseball for 16 years as a player, coach, scout and manager. His first managerial job was in 2010 with the Las Cruces Vaqueros of the semi-pro Pecos League. After working under Colts Manager Doc Edwards last season, Brown knew he wanted the chance to manage again.

"I expressed an interest in managing, and out of the blue Mike (Babcock) told me the league was adding a team in Abilene," Brown said. "I am thankful for the confidence he and Doc (Edwards) had in me to go and manage the Prairie Dogs."

Brown's life in pro baseball began in 1996 as a player in the independent Frontier League with the now-defunct Springfield Capitals. The following year he played for the Kansas City Royals Class Low A affiliate Spokane Indians of the Northwest League.

Brown returned to the Frontier League in 1998, and had the best season of his career. He batted .363 with nine home runs and 63 RBIs (all career highs) for the Canton Crocodiles. Brown's .363 average was also the fourth highest in the Frontier League that season.

Brown played another seven years before deciding to retire after the 2005 season.

"Coaching was never something that crossed my mind as a player, but when I retired I decided I would do it," Brown said. "Now I love coaching and managing more than playing."

As the Colts hitting coach last year, Brown learned a lot about managing from San Angelo's veteran skipper Edwards.

"He treats players like Major Leaguers and expects them to act like it," Brown said of Edwards. "Last year there was never any tension in the clubhouse, and as a result, all of his players wanted to come to the ballpark every day."

Brown wants to create that same kind of environment for the Prairie Dogs.

"The challenge is getting guys who can play, but who also have good character," he said. "I want quality people, as well as quality players on my team. It is too long of a season to put up with troublemakers."

Brown is confident he can accomplish that goal. To him, it is a matter of making the team the top priority.

"As a manager, you give up the right to think about yourself," he said. "If you think about the players and the organization first, you will have success."

On top of his managerial duties in Abilene, Brown will also serve as an Associate Scout for the Miami Marlins this season. Brown became a scout a few months ago, and he believes it will help him recommend players to Major League organizations.

"At the end of the day, everyone plays the game for the dream of getting to the Major Leagues," Brown said.

Brown's coaching staff will be announced at a later date.



North American League Stories from February 14, 2012


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